Why Children's Passions Should Not Be Overly Rewarded

Children are naturally curious and discover their passions through exploration and experimentation. When they engage in an activity out of sheer enjoyment, their motivation is intrinsic, without the need for external rewards. However, many parents, with good intentions, try to encourage these activities by offering gifts or material benefits. While this approach may seem helpful, excessive rewards can change the way a child perceives their passion.

Why children's passions should not be overly rewarded

Passions are activities driven by strong intrinsic motivation. Rewarding them too much can lead to the "overjustification effect," where activities that were once enjoyable on their own become associated with external rewards. As a result, intrinsic motivation decreases, and the child may start engaging in the activity not for enjoyment but for the reward.

To preserve intrinsic motivation, a child in Tutorina receives only one key for activities identified as passions.

How intrinsic motivation and the overjustification effect work

Intrinsic motivation is fueled by the joy and personal satisfaction a child gets from an activity. For example, a child who loves drawing does it because it makes them happy, not because they expect a reward. However, when parents frequently offer external rewards for activities that are already intrinsically motivating, the child begins to associate the activity with the reward and loses natural interest in it.

A common example is when a child receives money or toys for completing a painting. Over time, they may stop drawing unless they know they will be rewarded, losing the genuine pleasure of creating.

How Tutorina manages children's passions

Tutorina addresses this delicate topic through a strategy that protects a child's intrinsic motivation:

• Symbolic rewards – The child receives only one symbolic key for activities considered passions. This method acknowledges the child's effort without conditioning them to lose their natural motivation.
• Encouraging passions as valuable activities – Tutorina helps parents support their child's passions through resources, emotional support, and verbal appreciation instead of frequent material rewards.
• Limiting external rewards – Tutorina's system helps parents avoid excessive rewards for activities that are already intrinsically motivating.

Why it’s important to protect intrinsic motivation

1. Encouraging creativity – Children who follow their passions out of genuine interest are more likely to explore and be creative. Without external conditioning, they can focus on the process rather than just the outcome.
2. Building self-discipline – When a child engages in an activity out of personal interest, they develop self-discipline and perseverance, which are essential for long-term success.
3. Maintaining long-term interest – Protecting intrinsic motivation helps children maintain a positive relationship with their passions without becoming dependent on approval or external rewards.

Practical tips for parents

• Recognize effort without material rewards – Encourage your child with words of praise and sincere appreciation. For example, say: "I love how you painted this landscape! You were very creative!"
• Offer emotional support – Listen to your child and encourage them to keep exploring their passions. Provide the necessary resources or space for them to develop their skills.
• Avoid comparisons – Do not compare your child to others or turn their passion into a competition. Every child has their own rhythm and style.
• Limit external rewards – If you give rewards, do so occasionally and ensure they do not become a condition for engaging in the activity.

Examples of support without excessive rewards

1. Organizing a home art exhibition for your child’s drawings.
2. Encouraging your child to showcase their talent in a small group of friends or family.
3. Providing access to resources such as painting supplies, a musical instrument, or books related to their passion.
4. Encouraging participation in courses that help develop their skills without putting pressure on results.

Conclusion

Tutorina promotes a healthy balance between intrinsic motivation and external rewards, helping parents support their child's passions in a sustainable way. By preserving natural motivation, children can build a positive and lasting relationship with their favorite activities.